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A Lincoln school has opened a new £1 million extension to enable it to cope with growing numbers of students.

The development at Branston Community Academy has doubled the size of its main hall and extended and refurbished its nursery.

The concert hall, which has a new stage as well as new sound and light systems, will have a capacity of around 400 – twice that of the current hall.

The school’s nursery, which has been forced to turn parents away due to high demand, will now be able to take 25% more children.

Money to cover the cost of the work will come from a special fund built up by the school over a number of years to pay for the extension.

Drama studios and the school’s music block have also be refurbished and extended as part of the programme.

Stephen Phillips, MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, officially opened the hall on Friday, May 9 and the dozens of guests were entertained with dance, drama and singing performances by students.

Head Teacher Peter Beighton said: “The original hall was built when the school had student numbers of just 600 and with our pupils now topping 1,000 we desperately needed more space.

“The work hasn’t been just about creating more space. We have a strong culture of presenting professional shows and performing arts at the school and we needed to ensure we are providing the right stage to allow out talented students to shine.

“Senior staff and governors have done a fantastic job in finding the money to cover the costs of the work and we are delighted to be able to invest this significant sum in the future of our students.”

MP Stephen Phillips said he was impressed by the new development and what it would offer to students.

He added: “This is a fantastic new facility which has been made possible by the work of governors, staff, parents and pupils. I was thrilled to be asked to open it and I know it will enhance the opportunities for every pupil at the academy.”

Head of governors Malcolm Norman said: “This project has created a wonderful environment for both the school students and the nursery children.

“It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work, discussion, planning and careful financial management but the results have been well worth it,” he said.

An amazing nursery it is too. The staff have become like best friends. They have done a great job helping me to raise good children. I would recommend this nursery setting to every parent, nurturing at its very best.